Dehradun (640M) to Sari Village (2,000M)
Distance: 225 kms
Duration: 7-8 hours
If you have signed up with Bikat for a drive from Dehradun to Sari, our day starts early. All of us assemble at the meeting point by 7 in the morning so we can start our long drive up to Sari – a quiet hamlet deep in the laps of the Himalayas. Although there’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than the 8-hour drive and settling into mountain air, it is better to leave as early as possible for two reasons:
One, so we can reach as early as possible and give our bodies enough rest for what’s coming the next day. And, two, roads on the mountains are unpredictable and it is always better to account for delays when we start. It is also better to reach before it gets dark.
Sari is a picturesque hamlet in the Ukhimat block of the Rudraprayag district bordered with oak and rhododendrons trees which are also a constant throughout the trek. Declared as an eco-tourist village by the government of Uttarakhand, this quiet farming hamlet rests peacefully in the lap of the Himalayas far away from the noises of the city. Patterns formed from the dozens of paddy fields on the many slopes of the mountains in the village make for a neat design soothing to the eye. Expect to reach this peaceful haven by early evening to be welcomed by some warm smiles into a warm homestay.
Sari (2,000M) to Deoriatal (2,400M)
Distance: 4 kms
Duration: 3-4 hours
Today is a short and easy day with a gradual ascent all the way to the campsite right next to this marvel of an alpine lake – the first highlight of our trek. The trail takes us through the thick forests of oak and rhododendrons on a well laden path to reveal a placid Deoriatal at its short end. We have all day to gaze at this beauty as it reflects the changing hues of the day in its clear waters. Overnight in tents.
Deoriatal (2,400M) to Baniya Kund (2,600M) via Rohini Bugyal
Distance: 18 kms
Duration: 5-6 hours
Today is a long day but one filled with immaculate beauty as we walk through thick forests ablaze with rhododendrons of various hues which get thicker and thicker in density as we advance. The path goes through the Kedarnath Sanctuary. If you look closely, you may find some of the animals and birds that inhabit this region. The trail today also offers up some magnificent views of the big peaks as it promised to do. The thicket of these blooming colours gives way to a clearing which is the meadows of Rohini Bugyal. And just a little further from here is another spectacle to behold which is our destination for the day: Baniya Kund. This will be our home for tonight and tomorrow night.
The distance for today may be long but the climb is not very strenuous. The trail goes up and down to cover a total of 200M of ascent for today.
Baniya Kund (2,600M) to Chandrashila (3,700M) via Tunganath to Baniya Kund (2,600M)
Distance: 7-8 kms
Duration: 6 hours
Today is two high-points bunched in one on a path that takes us on well-marked trails. The day starts early so we have a chance to catch the first rays of the sun from the Tunganath Temple. The trail alternates between birch trees and meadows to take us to Tunganath and then onwards towards Chandrashila Top which presents the most glorious views of the highest peaks in the Garhwal Range. Tunganath to Chandrashila Top which lies at 3,700M is a fairly steep climb but the trail for today is otherwise gradual.
After our venture for today, we return to Baniya Kund for the night.
Baniya Kund (2,600M) to Dehradun (640M) via Chopta (2,608M) & Sari (2,000M)
Distance: 4 kms + 225 kms
Duration: 2 hours trek + 7-8 hours drive
We retrace our steps back to Sari to get our drive back to Dehradun. We cross through Chopta (Mini Switzerland) village as an added highlight today and a perfect finish to this delightful trek. The picture-perfect landscape of Chopta is where the trek gets its alternate name Chopta Chandrashila from. Expect to reach Dehradun by late evening.
Since it is a beginner’s trek, you need no special prior experience. Although one is required to have mental preparedness and stamina before he/she begins the trek.
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date